Neil Warnock has lauded Joe Bennett for responding to the controversy that surrounded his tackle on Manchester City's Leroy Sane with a string of brilliant displays for Cardiff City.

Bennett was subject to intense criticism - and left out of the Cardiff team - after the horror challenge which left the Germany starlet sidelined with ankle ligament damage.

But the Cardiff left back played a starring role in his team's 3-1 win over Burton Albion , which keeps their surge for promotion on course. It was the latest of a number of excellent Bennett performances of late.

Read More

Goals from Kenneth Zohore, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Callum Paterson secured the win, but Bennett enjoyed a vintage display in the back four.

Joe Bennett of Cardiff City is challenged by Jota of Birmingham City (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

"That's what I want from him," said Warnock in relation to Bennett's sparkling form, a response to the manager making him train in isolation following the tackle on Sane - and subsequent suspension - after picking up two yellow cards in Cardiff's 2-0 defeat to Man City.

Warnock also admitted he's had to temper Bennett's attacking instincts to suit the Bluebirds' direct gameplan.

Read More

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock congratulates Bruno Ecuele Manga of Cardiff City at the end of the match

"The hardest thing for me this week was having five players in my office and telling them only one would make the bench," he added.

"The three subs that came on (did well) and the three that didn't could have made a difference.

"Everyone expected us to win today, which was the most difficult thing. I don't think we'll have that problem again this season because we won't expect anything. It was disappointing to concede the goal but that was the only blemish really."